Queen Elizabeth II struggled to tolerate the presence of Princess Diana, reportedly finding her "too excitable, too emotional and unpredictable," according to royal author Ingrid Seward.

Despite Diana's emotional volatility in other aspects of her life, she demonstrated a surprisingly adept understanding of legal strategies during negotiations for her divorce from Prince Charles. Seward's observations suggest a significant disconnect between Diana's public persona and the private dynamics within the royal family, particularly concerning her relationship with the Queen.

The friction between Diana and the Queen intensified during the divorce proceedings, highlighting underlying tensions that made their interactions difficult. The monarch's reported aversion to Diana's presence points to a strained relationship that ultimately impacted their ability to engage constructively.